Moving yard

[SMK]

Has anyone got any advice, good/bad experience of moving an older horse to a new yard?
I have been on the same small yard for 14 years and my horse is 24 and retired. Without boring everyone I am coming to the end of my tether having to take responsibility for other horses and with the lack of yard/field maintenance. I am restricted in what I can do with my horse because of other horses behaviour.
Ideally I would like to move but don’t want to upset my horse. Has anyone moved an older horse and it been a success-or a disaster? Any tips on how to keep stress to a minimum??or do I just put up with the current situation and keep my horse where she is?

 

[EllenJay]

HI. I moved my older horse (now deceased) to a retirement livery. He was perfectly happy and integrated with the herd immediately - but he was a very social chap.

I have also moved my ridden 21 yo in October last year. It has taken him a long time to settle - in fact it is only the last 6 weeks he is coming back to being my lovely old boy. He is still stressed a little, but he is now happy.

I think that it really depends on the horse. With the deceased horse, when he was younger I moved him to one yard and he just never settled, moved him from there and he was absolutely fine.

If you are not happy at your current yard, and it is impacting on what you want to do, then I would advise you to move.

 

[SMK]

HI. I moved my older horse (now deceased) to a retirement livery. He was perfectly happy and integrated with the herd immediately - but he was a very social chap.

I have also moved my ridden 21 yo in October last year. It has taken him a long time to settle - in fact it is only the last 6 weeks he is coming back to being my lovely old boy. He is still stressed a little, but he is now happy.

I think that it really depends on the horse. With the deceased horse, when he was younger I moved him to one yard and he just never settled, moved him from there and he was absolutely fine.

If you are not happy at your current yard, and it is impacting on what you want to do, then I would advise you to move.

Thank you for taking time to reply. You’re right that it depends on the horse, mine can be quite highly strung but is also a bit of a loner and isn’t too bothered about being left. Was there a particular settling in method you used? Or did you just go for it and turn them out?

 

[MidChristmasCrisis]

I always comfort myself that if I’m still there continuing the routine they know it ll be fine. I do usually spend a lot longer with them for the first few days though..pootling about keeping an eye open.

 

[SMK]

I always comfort myself that if I’m still there continuing the routine they know it ll be fine. I do usually spend a lot longer with them for the first few days though..pootling about keeping an eye open.

Thank you

 

[Apizz2019]

I think it depends on the type of yard you move to. If a bigger yard, then there is likely to be a dependance on what time others need to be turned out, brought in etc which could impact you.

Its a really tough decision to make but if you're not happy where you are, then you should move.

Depending on your horse, most settle well and with ease. I think we worry more than they do.

Good luck! x

 

[SMK]

I think it depends on the type of yard you move to. If a bigger yard, then there is likely to be a dependance on what time others need to be turned out, brought in etc which could impact you.

Its a really tough decision to make but if you're not happy where you are, then you should move.

Depending on your horse, most settle well and with ease. I think we worry more than they do.

Good luck! x

Thank you-yes I agree we definitely worry more than they do! The turnout /bringing in is one of the things that is impacting me now, I had thought it may be easier at a bigger yard as I’d only be responsible for my own...but maybe not-it is something to think about.

 

[Apizz2019]

Thank you-yes I agree we definitely worry more than they do! The turnout /bringing in is one of the things that is impacting me now, I had thought it may be easier at a bigger yard as I’d only be responsible for my own...but maybe not-it is something to think about.

Horses always give us lots to think about

Its harder on bigger yards as many will need routine too, so you may find you have to wait to turn out, bring in etc.
But smaller yards may also present challenges.

 

[Flowerofthefen]

I moved my now 25 yo 3 years ago from yard he was at for 11 years. It really upset him. He is still not completely settled. He was fine in or out on his own but he isn't anymore. He stood with his head in a hedge for 2 days after moving. Really not sure why. He gradually came round but isn't the same horse. I've had him since he was 9. I wouldn't ever move him again.